Synopsis

Anna, a newly qualified interior designer, has decided it's time to put her money and her expertise where her mouth is. She's risked everything on buying a tiny but adorable cottage so she can renovate it, sell it on, and prove to her family that she can earn her own living. Outside, the chocolate-box cottage is perfect, but inside all is chaos: with a ladder for a staircase, no downstairs flooring, candles the only form of lighting and a sleeping bag and camping mat for a bed, Anna's soon wondering whether she's bitten off more than she can chew. Her neighbor Chloe comes to the rescue, providing tea, wine and sympathy - and a recently rescued greyhound, Caroline. But just as Anna's starting to believe she's found the perfect idyll, the good-looking yet impossible Rob Hunter arrives on the scene, putting up more obstacles than the Grand National. Can Anna get over all of life's hurdles?

Review

I'm so happy this is the next book I picked up for #BookTubeAThon. 

I was in one of those moods where I just wanted to read a beautifully written chic lit, and of course Katie Fforde did it again. Not only does she write such interesting characters, but they are also genuine. 

If it wasn't for motherly duties and basically being an adult, I would definitely have read this in a day. 

The story is centred around Anna, an interior designer, who is set out to renovate a beautiful cottage all on her own. She wants to prove everyone wrong that not only is she old enough to do this, but also strong enough as well. 

At first I was worried that the whole "feminism" will over power the story, but being a woman myself, sometimes it's great to read a character who doesn't need a man 24/7 in her life to do things for her. She came across as a strong, independent woman without being to over the top.

Of course with chic lits there are the "love interests". I wouldn't say there was a love triangle, but there are two guys she is more or less interested in. Max and Rob, I'll let you read the book to make up your mind about them. 

It's obvious who she ends up with at the end, but their journey together is what really won me over.

Another thing that won me over is Caroline, a recently rescued greyhound. Even though Caroline was dumped on Anna by a terrible owner, and Anna not knowing one thing about dogs in general, there was definitely love at first sight for both of them. 

I couldn't recommend this book enough. Everything about this book is beautifully written, amazing characters. It all felt so real that it could possibly be based on a true story. 

I'll definitely be reading more of Katie Fforde in the near future.